What if you could spend a day in the shoes of a child in the Middle Ages? What would you learn about cultures of the past? On a Medieval Day uses nine historical fiction stories to give kids just that opportunity. Contrary to the common Euro-centric associations of the word "medieval," On a Medieval Day visits cultures from Japan to Mali and spans nearly 700 years of world history. From Viking explorers to medical advances in Baghdad, this book challenges assumptions and enlightens readers to the fascinating civilizations that have shaped our world. Told through the eyes of boys and girls aged 12 to 14, readers follow each character through a single day. Whether examining an arranged marriage or aspirations of becoming a knight, each character tells a compelling story about universal trials of growing into adolescence. Portraits painted by artist Peter Ferguson and detailed background pages that use facts, maps, and illustrations bring readers further into this history.